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[thisislakewoodnews]

One evening, over at Raphael Stone’s home.

Characters: @raphael-stone, @mavstone, @naomixstone, @hckerstvne.

Below the cut is plot information to be led prior to the upcoming event.

Raphael Stone: Raphael had been sitting in the kitchen, laptop open and USB turning over and over between his index finger and thumb. “To get it to work, you put it in the computer.” Was the snark from his sister in the corner of the Kitchen, as he rolled his eyes. “Not yet, Noami.” She knew—she knew his intention, knew where his mind was at. Perhaps they’d always understood one another, Raphael and Naomi. As the sudden sound of the front door opening, the chime of the alarm, he stood up straight, eyes locking with his brother. “We’re just waitin’ on Lil to get her ass over here.” He commented.

Maverick Stone: There's a moment of hesitancy as Maverick stands on the other side of the door, contemplating his fate and future. Stepping through the threshold would change everything and he knew once he left, it wouldn't be the same ever again. With a breath, his hand went to door knob and the alarm announces his entrance before he can. His older brother is given a simple nod, the years of resentment seeming to vanish because there were more important matters to attend to. Naomi, on the other hand is greeted more warmly before Mav takes a seat. "How much time we got? This could take awhile." He teasingly responded.

Lily Stone: She was ready. She was ready to learn what was on the USB that almost costed Lily her life. The urge to sneak into Raphael's office and take it is finally going away as she began to feel anxious. Popping a pain killer into her mouth Lily powered through the pain she felt and made her way down the stairs. Arriving into the kitchen to see all three of her siblings is when the youngest Stone realized this is the first time they've all been together since Colleen Stone's funeral. "Sorry I'm late," she clears her throat. "I uh had to take my medicine." The hacker knew if she didn't a certain Doctor would be on her ass abut it. Ignoring the presence of Maverick for Lily was still furious at him, she takes a seat beside Raphael. Her eyes glued to the USB in her President's hand.

Raphael Stone: Did he just come right out and say it? His siblings in the room, as he drummed up a small smile—rare in its form for his brother through all their previous tension—and to Lily, who now sat at his side. “We’re looking at this—“ He murmured, holding up the USB. “It’s got incriminating footage, so we assume,” He gestured to Naomi behind him, as she drank his liquor cabinet dry. “But—It’s uh…” Raphael shrugged his shoulders. “Seran’s dead. Body found—I confirmed it was him a few hours ago.” Was there a time to mourn, yes. Completely. But not now. “I—we’re out a Vice President, and we cannot be.” He’d been looking around the room to his siblings, as hues settled on his brother. “We need a Vice President, Maverick.” Was Raphael making his point clear?

Maverick Stone: Blue eyes shifted to the USB that would be the answer to all their questions and the source of all their problems. Such a small subject possessed enough power to bring all four Stone siblings together for the first time in years, excluding their mother's death. It was enough to make Maverick less of a pessimistic shit. His eyes moved from the drive to Raphael as he began to speak, explaining the entire situation that led to this moment. Seran was a huge loss but, with everything as they are now, the family wasn't in a position to look vulnerable. "And I accepted." He added to Raphael's point, eyes gauging his sister's expression to gauge their reactions...because he knows there will be one. "It was time. There's too much shit going on and we can't afford to look weak and divided."

Lily Stone: Hearing the death of Seran was no loss to Lily personally, not really, but to the cartel? Big loss. Before Lily could tell Raphael she is sorry for the loss of his vice president and to ask how he met his demise she found herself biting her bottom lip. How eager Lily felt to see what was on the USB quickly became replaced with one emotion; rage. No longer able to keep her mouth shut, the youngest Stone looks to her President. "You want him as your Vice President?" Lily felt as if she should've seen it coming, but she didn't. Without realizing it Lily stood up out of her chair to tower him. "He fucking left Lakewood and the cartel all behind because he got his feelings hurt by that bakery princess." Oh there was so much more Lily wanted to say about all of this. "Give it to Lucien or--" the young Stone found herself choking on her words. "--or someone else who didn't abandon us or the cartel!" That is when she finally looked to Maverick with a burning rage in her eyes. "When I left, I left to gather Intel--not be a glutton for punishment in Vegas like you did." If anyone where to ask Lily, she saw it as if she should get the promotion not Maverick. Did she want to be the VP? Hell no. She wanted to be what she always wanted; a soldier and work her way up to Lieutenant and Bodyguard.

Raphael Stone: Didn’t he expect just that? Someone would have something to say, as he raised a hand, sunken silence. Lily was laying it on—Naomi’s personal opinion would come, but now wasn’t the time. “Get over it—“ Raphael snapped, looking at his little sister. “You’re not the only one he left. He left me. Mom, dad, Naomi—“ He spoke, gesturing to his other sister. “Maverick fucked up—and I know where he’s coming from. If it had been me…” Silence fell for a moment, as he sighed. “I would’ve done the same thing. It was suffocating. I stayed, but I didn’t like it any less. I knew what was being held over my head. He had more freedom.” Raphael stood, USB still gripped tight. “But the only way we’re all looking at this, is if we all agree to accept what I’m saying—“ A lull. “Or don’t, I don’t care. I’m the President of this Cartel, I’m making him the Vice President.” Maverick was right. It was time. “We’re family.” He looked to Lily. “That understood?”

Maverick Stone: Maverick saw that reaction coming from a million miles away. Lily wasn't exactly known for being subtle or for her lack of dramatics. His eye simply arched at the younger Stone as she climbed onto the chair, throwing a fit -- which, in a way, was warranted. Attention shifting from Lily to Raphael, the tone in his older brother's voice said it all. It wasn't really a question, despite him giving the siblings an option, it was a command. "I already apologized for what I did." Maverick stated, even though he'd do it all again in a heartbeat. "That was then and this now. You wanted me here, Lil, I'm fucking here and stepping up to the plate." Better late than never, he figured. "If Raphael and I can put our shit to the side to make this work, then so can you." He noted. "It's time to let it go. That was the past and there's a lot more important shit happening right now that we need to focus on."

Lily Stone: When Raphael stood and towered over Lily she stood her ground against him. She never has been one to back down so easily, so why start now? Lily knew they were right and found it difficult in herself to put this bullshit aside. "Fine. I'll play along with him being the Vice President." then something came to her mind. "Since you are clearly giving out promotions--then promote me to being a soldier." The youngest Stone knew she shouldn't even have to say why. Taking a deep breath she looks back over to Maverick with anger still residing in her eyes. Though she lost her breath when she felt a sudden sharp pain in her abdomen; the stab wound. Acting as if she weren't in pain Lily held her gaze on Maverick. "I'll be a good little warrior and keep my mouth shut for now on about you becoming VP, but for what you did to me as my brother? You got a long way to fucking go for that." She declares. With that Lily sits down and crosses her arms over her chest before looking to Raphael. "Now can we see what is on that damn USB? I about died from being gutted over that fucking thing."

Raphael Stone: Raphael didn’t even hesitate to her quip. “No.” His voice was sound and strong. Don’t question him, don’t barter him. This wasn’t some clubhouse, no form of government or diplomacy. It was a god damn crime to do as they did—what he says, goes. “You’ll stay where you are, Naomi is staying where she is, I’m bringing someone in, not shifting the fucking pyramid.” Didn’t he expect an argument from Lily? Sure. But he wasn’t about to lift her up to justify some vendetta she was hanging over Maverick’s head. “Lily, I swear to fucking god, pull your foot out of your mouth and listen to me,” Raphael rubbed his temples momentarily. “I run this show—so when you’re speaking to Maverick from here on out, you better do it with some fuckin’ respect.” There was another lull. “He’s not just your brother—he outranks you now.” Was it a silent warning to Naomi as well, should the equally vibrant-with-words have an opinion? Possibly. Maybe with her sullen silence she knew not to push Raphael. “Now,” He murmured. “We watch this once, and Maverick and I will decide what to do.” He eyed his little sister as a warning—no smart remarks. Plugging the USB in, as the CCTV footage came to light. Raphael’s mind was trying to remember the familiarity of the scene. Set outside of Tito’s, a familiar spot for the Stone family—“Oh my god,” Naomi’s long hair almost shielding the wide screen as she leaned in, even the awe striking her tone. “Look at the date—“ She pointed to the corner of the screen with a finely manicured hand. “This was the date Mom died…” Did he hone in, finally pay attention to the scene that had been—gunshots went off, silence on the film, but the bright light moved in. “Move,” Maverick murmured, as he reached for the laptop. Raphael cast a ‘keep quiet’ glare to Lily. “We can zoom in on—“ His words stopped, , as the screen was moved back, shifted for Raphael to see as clearly as they could make out on the black and grey screen: Dominic Moretti. Gun in one hand, gunning the gas of his motorcycle in the other. “Oh my god,” Naomi broke the silence first, as he felt her place a hand on his shoulders. “You know what this means, Raph…” He stayed silent for another moment. “I know,” He looked to Maverick. “The Castro cartel didn’t kill mom—the Rinaldi’s did.” [END]

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Setting up within an abandoned manor might’ve drawn attention to their cause. But if it was focused on the outward and obvious agents, the other four would have the means to remain incognito.

                                      A vital piece to their plan.

Taking down cartels was no easy task. Some took years. In Jack Parker’s mind, he’d love it done by tomorrow, throw those sons of bitches in the system and lock them up. But life didn’t work like that. Savory wins didn’t come to those who were selfish, didn’t wait their turn and bide their time. Wins came to those who waited, held their breath and said ‘I can do this all day’.

Jack Parker was one to be the same. He would do this all day.

While most expected the casket of Emilia Krol to be open, it was not. Forensics had seized rights, and loved ones would be barreled against a closed casket, burying an empty box, while the body sat in the cold room. His footsteps thudded against the marble floor—probably the only thing still intact from a rundown place like this, as he approached the room.

“Sight’ll make even your stomach spin, boss.” His worker snapped, head to toe in protective gear.

“I’ve seen worse.” Was Jack’s sudden gripe, as he approached the bench, the headless frame of the former woman—at least her fingernails were readily available—“You scrub this for prints?” He asked.

“Nothin’ I can pick up so far, but we’re just in the beginning stage. Full autopsy might tell us somethin’ more.”

“Better tell us which sonuvabitch did this.”

Jack didn’t linger. People followed suit, one of his personal assistants keeping in line with his long strides.

“Boss, we know the names of the kids of each leader—we can get Intel on them.”

“Infiltrate them—I wanna know what they do, where they do it, I want times, what they eat, who they’re fuckin’, and right down to bathroom breaks—bonus points if you can find out how many times they shake before tuckin’ their dicks back in their pants.”

A small snort broke, as Jack remained firm, expressionless through the ordeal.

Entering the bigger room, as those who planned to invade the cartels, and learn from inside the belly of the beast. “I wanna know what they’re doing at all times, I want in—you’ll work to get into the cartels, and you will make a point that you’re willing to go pretty fuckin’ far to do as they need to gain respect. I want weekly check ins of all you find, if you cannot remember, get a god damn diary and a fluffy pink pen and write them down.”

He sighed. A man with a mission could not rest.

Not when the safety of innocent people were at stake.

“These people have been rippin town’s apart and playin’ god with who lives and who dies. People in this town get caught in the middle, and it ain’t fair. So we’re gonna do all we can to sink these fuckers. Or die tryin’.” It was the lingering truth, one even Jack was prepared to admit too.

“You’ve all got work to do. Dismissed.”

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        If you didn’t see it, you probably wouldn’t believe it.

Or you’d blame the same cartels that caused an uproar within town, if you’d been here long enough to know where to point the blame.

But the matter of the fact was this: if there was a reason eight blacked out Escalades were driving down the center strip in town, heading towards old Hollygrove Manor, you’d wonder—what the fuck was this about? Was someone coming to play? Was an original Castro member coming home? Couldn’t be—Maria Castro-Reyes never left. Some believed the real matriarch of the Castro cartel would live to a hundred and one, stick both middle fingers up and tell her enemies to burn in hell before she croaked on the spot.

Again, these are the thoughts of civilians who have lived here long enough.

But it still didn’t make sense. The rushing parade of black drew people out from the shops, those basking in the heavenly glow of another endless sunny day were pulled from their conversation. Some stood. Some stopped in their tracks and considered to question the presence in front of them.

But the cars drove on.

Within one sat a man, the files skewed across the seat within the back of the car, as his companion sat in the front. Names. All four of them, all of the powerhouses that had slipped into the underworld—but their families remained here.

Jack Parker could not be convinced otherwise that these four weren’t in on the family business.

Giada Rinaldi’s weight within Messina was considered inoperable. Twelve men trying to serve her papers ended up being twelve bodies they had to ship back to grieving families.

Samuel Stone had decided to ‘retire’ within the masses of Mexico City—where, as expected, the weight of the heavy-hitting Don was enough to know getting close to him didn’t end in a rainfall of bullets from both sides. It seemed old man Stone was still willing to risk the lives of everyone around him.

Jack flipped the page, revealing the other two.

Manuel Almeida had passed, but his father lived on, the Isle of Sao Miguel untouchable to those who were not commoners. There was no hot spring his boys could hide in, commit surveillance without Jose Manuel himself peeking out from his hovel and slitting his boy’s throat.

That one was a hard pill to swallow. Bullets and punching—fine. Anything else was harrowing.

Last—never least.

Maria Castro-Reyes. Parked right the fuck in town, nothing to hide. She was the matriarch, the last of a century’s worth of criminals. Powerful, beautiful. She had the makings of a politician, Jack considered in a dark thought, given how the woman lived a cut-throat life. Cold. Calculated. Willing to risk it all, but there was the inkling that, like the Castro’s he had studied in files upon files before him—she was willing to draw the line at family.

Maybe that’s where he would start.

Infiltration wasn’t his idea, he considered, as the approach of the car to the home converted for their use slowed to a stop. Some of them wouldn’t hide. He wouldn’t. Couldn’t. Face seen by the funeral director. And the fleet of cars with blacked out windows hid the crew of men and women from all walks of life willing to do the unthinkable.

Stepping out of the truck, sunglasses poised on the bridge of his nose, as he looked around his crew. “Start unpackin’ the computers and surveillance first boys—we’re gonna finalize the plan and start infiltrating the cartels in town.”

             Jack Parker planned to flip this town on its head.

OOC NOTE:

Players, please note: the FBI is now in town. 🤗

It is up to players to decide if their character was told by someone else or seen for themselves the cars passing through.

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This is a generalized recap from major parts of the roleplay for things that have occurred.

For plots individual to players, we ask players all submit those they want known or mentioned (completely voluntary upon players wishes), as to keep others in tune with the goings of each character. The admins will post them to the ‘thisislakewoodnews’ page, with the tag ‘recap’.

The following bits may mention some trigger subjects, such as murder.

‘A very Rinaldi Christmas’ recap:

Mayor Ted Campbell’s murder within the Rinaldi Mansion at the annual Christmas Party ended with his dead body seen on the main foyer floor with his eyes gouged out and taken somewhere unknown to others (except for those within the Reyes cartel, the murder done at the hands of Logan Legend).

With the departure of Ted Campbell as Mayor of Lakewood, Ariadna Campbell took his position and won the race to take over the town as Mayor.

In between events:

Silence took over Lakewood until the events of the Black Rabbit.

The Black Rabbit:

Raphael Stone murdered Piper Sinclair and Jacob Anton after members of the Stone Cartel tried to ambush him with an attack. Piper’s body was disposed lazily upon the side of the road after fingerprints were scrubbed clean of her skin.

Raphael Stone secured the Black Rabbit as one of the main trafficking source for arms and drugs (prior to the incident).

Roman Guerra was seen visibly arrested, and released on bail, having been sitting in jail and tending to legal issues before his recent return.

Jeronimo Reyes was killed by poison and mulitation at the hand of Ravenna Rinaldi and Elisabeth Rinaldi.

Marlinda Reyes was killed by Roman Guerra.

Leo Trivelli (bodyguard for the Rinaldi Cartel) was killed by Pietro Rinaldi, as well as an unnamed Rinaldi bodyguard.

There was a mass chaos with the shattering of glass, injuring very many people, forcing the crowd outside.

Further chaos ensued, and within the crowd, Pietro Rinaldi stabbed Camila Diaz (this is unknown as to how she was stabbed except to those directly informed).

After the Black Rabbit….

The Black Rabbit lays in ruins as construction workers rebuild the premise from the ground up.

Suspicious activity has been seen in and around the warehouses on the outskirts of town, now that the ban upon use has been lifted, but no one is aware of the doings.

Police are looking into the death of Emilia Krol, after her body was left and her head missing

These acts and more have prompted the appearance of the Federal Bureau Investigation to appear within Lakewood.

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     There was the underlining feeling that something was                                      wrong with Lakewood, Texas.

Most of its residents were well aware of that fact, given one point or another that someone or something was a ticking time bomb, ready to be set off and implode within the corners of a world that sucked in lives more than let them out.

That was just the vortex of this town, it seemed.

You take the good with the bad, the unplanned with the bodies that dropped like flies and you accepted that, no matter what, you were a body count. This was the thought of the man, as he drove the blacked out escalade past the daring ‘Welcome to Lakewood’ sign, as the ‘e’ hung upside down. Should’ve been an omen to most that this place, like others where the ruins of people fell apart—was just the same.

Just as dark. Just as twisted.

Just as tampered with the ideal that those who came in, never really got out.

It was the same as he, Agent Jack Parker, drove into the main core of the town square. People looked the same as you’d find them anywhere else. Walking dogs, and joggers, and the occasional shouting match that occurred.

But this town was unchecked. This town was unhinged, danced upon a truth that control was outside the means of those in service, and within the power of four. He’d read and re-read their names.

Reyes. Rinaldi. Almeida. Stone.

They all needed to be put into check.

The GPS pinged he was close to his first stop in a series of places he intended to visit to bring justice and balance to this backwards town, as his car came to a halt. Placing it in park, as he stepped out, sunglasses perched on the brim of his nose, and inhaled the dry Texan air.

Smelled like shit.

Approaching the doors of the broadened Funeral home, he spotted the sights of the van pulling in.

“What’s going on?” Jack piped, catching the attention of the driver as he stepped out of the van.

“What does it look like man, it’s another day at work.” Was the snide comment.

“And this—“

“Murders are as common here as a fuckin’ hot day, friend, you need to get with the times.” The other worker chuckled, as the black body bag was hoisted from the stretcher onto another, as it was wheeled into the open door.

Jack watched it go, as the words rung out inside of his mind, the mental note made that he alone might not be as prepared for this job. That those who were trusted figures might need to be taken into consideration as allied with another.

That this town, if possible, was more poisonous than he thought.

“Can I help you?” Was the sharp tone of a woman’s voice, as Jack turned on his heel, coming face to face with the dark haired, pale woman that stood before him. “I don’t appreciate solicitors, and I won’t hesitate to remove you from the property if need be.”

Jack smirked. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his badge, flipping it open and smirking. “FBI—I’ve got some questions for you about the recent deaths in town—I’d like to start by seeing all the recent death certificates in your records.”